What does the law say?

The law includes most household electrical goods in a list of items that must be tested and approved before sale. These goods are called ‘declared articles’. The approval of ‘declared articles’ must be done by NSW Fair Trading, its equivalent in another Australian State or by an independent certifier.

All other electrical goods are called ‘non-declared articles’ and must be safe but do not need approval before sale. Refer to the ‘What about non-declared articles?’ heading for more details.

How do I check if an item is approved?

Approved electrical goods will have an ‘electrical safety approval mark’. This mark will often include a capital letter followed by a certificate number. Some small electrical goods may use other approval marks such as the trade name. Examples of NSW electrical safety approval marks are shown in the next column.

Important: Overseas Certificates of Approval and approval marks, such as the CE mark, are not acceptable in Australia.

The maximum penalty for selling, importing, hiring or exchanging ‘declared articles’ without ‘electrical safety approval marks’ and an Australian Certificate of Approval is $82,500 and/or 2 years jail for individuals or $825,000 for corporations.

Tip: Before you accept delivery of, or sell any, ‘declared articles’, ask your supplier for an Australian Certificate of Approval.

What are 'declared articles'?

Below is a list of electrical goods that the law refers to as ‘declared articles’. For more details, download the Explanatory notes for the approval and sale of electrical articles in New South Wales from the Fair Trading website.

What about non-declared articles?

If you sell, import, hire or exchange electrical goods that are not ‘declared articles’, you must still ensure they are safe and comply with any relevant Australian Electrical Safety Standards. Always check with your supplier to ensure that the items comply.

Need more information?

You can download the Explanatory notes for the approval and sale of electrical articles in New South Wales from the Fair Trading website (search for 'approval of electrical articles'). You can also call the Fair Trading Energy and Utilities Unit directly on 02 9895 0722 or email energyapprovals@finance.nsw.gov.au

For language assistance, call 13 14 50 and ask for an interpreter in your language.